AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01307
The Board discussed separate left and right plantar fasciitis conditions and determined that in light of the specific entry noting the inability to wear military footwear for prolonged periods of time would indeed create a situation of not meeting service retention standards even with either foot (alone) having the described plantar fasciitis condition. The Board next considered if a VASRD-compliant bilateral code was applicable, or if the unfitting left foot and unfitting right foot...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01313
After due deliberation, considering all of the evidence and mindful of VASRD §4.3 (reasonable doubt), the Board recommends no change in the TDRL-entry rating of 30%, and a rating of 30% for the asthma condition at the time of permanent separation. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01325
SEPARATION DATE: 20040902 Available treatment records evidence a history of intermittent lower back pain which was first documented August 2000. The physical examination was normal except for tenderness to palpation throughout the neck, thoracic and lumbar spine.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01339
The hand eczema condition, characterized as two separate conditions “hand eczema and allergic contact dermatitis”, was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. I can’t stand for long periods of time without numbness and shooting pain down my left leg. Allergic Contact Dermatitis .The first record in evidence dated 1 November 2001 and four months after accession noted that the CI had a type of eczema and was treated with steroids.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01346
The A-fib condition, characterized as “atrial fibrillation refractory to radiofrequency catheter oblation…possibly exercise induced” wasforwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AFI 48-123; no other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The informal PEBadjudicated the A-fib conditionas unfitting, rated 10%, referencing the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1332.39and Veteran’s Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals, and was medically...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01348
The only reference to range-of-motion (ROM) was that “he has regained full motion.” There was no comment regarding painful motion or ROMs at the time of the final DD Form 2808, but the NARSUM does specify “motion is limited by pain” in reference to an earlier exam. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01356
It is limited to those conditions determined by the PEB to be unfitting for continued military service and those conditions identified but not determined to be unfitting by the PEB when specifically requested by the CI. Left Knee Condition . All documentation was reviewed and considered by the Board.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01367
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB (IPEB)adjudicated “chronic neck pain due to cervical degenerative disc disease, without significant neurological abnormality”as unfitting, rated 10% with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI appealed to the Formal PEB (FPEB), which affirmed the PEB finding and rating. In the matter of the contended right and left upper extremity radiculopathy conditions, the Board unanimously recommends no...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01389
Pre-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Vasovagal Syncope8299-821010%Tachycardia/Vasovagal Syncope7099-701110%20040401Other X 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 520040401 Rating: 10%Combined: 30%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20040612 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the above evidence.The PEB coded the syncopal condition analogously to 8210 for vasovagal nerve impairment. RECOMMENDATION :...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01396
The Board acknowledges the CI’s implied contention for Service rating of her “trauma” and/or mental health condition(s), but must emphasize that Service disability compensation may only be considered for those conditions that cut short the member’s service career. Right Ankle Condition . X-rays showed normal healing fracture sites.In April 2004 it was recorded that she was biking for 20 minutes as part of her ongoing physical therapy.At the VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam on 28...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01411
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGSPHYSICAL DISABILITY BOARD OF REVIEWNAME: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX CASE: PD1301411 BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army BOARD DATE: 20140122 At that time a diagnosis of mild persistent asthma aggravated by exposure to petroleum products was rendered.At the separation exam on 17 November 2003, the CI reported using inhalers “when needed for asthma.”Review of the STR showed one note in evidence documenting the use of an oral steroid for asthma (September 2003).At a clinic visit for...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01436
RATING COMPARISON : Service IPEB – Dated 20041026VA – 20050128 Decision based on Service Treatment Records(STR)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Bilateral Hip Pain5099-50030%Left Femoral Neck Fracture52550%STRRight Femoral Neck Fracture52550%STRNo Additional MEB/PEB Entries Combined: 0%Combined: 0%Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20050128 ( most proximate to date of separation [DOS]). The examiner noted that the CI denied pain and used no medications. In addition, the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01479
At the MEB examination on 2 June 2006 the CI reported bilateral knee pain. The MEB physical examiner also noted normal ROM, stable knees, and painful patellar compression. RECOMMENDATION : The Board recommends no re-characterization of the CI’s disability and separation determination.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01496
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chronic neck pain w/degenerative changes”as unfitting, rated 10%, with application of theVA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining nine conditions were adjudicated to be not unfitting. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.The Board...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01501
The MH examination was normal. The Board noted that chronic pain is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. The PEB adjudicated the CI for the diagnosis of undifferentiated somatoform disorder at TDRL entry and undifferentiated somatoform disorder at TDRL removal.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01539
The CI non-concurred and the Reconsideration PEB only adjudicated the “posttraumatic arthritis, right ankle…” as unfitting, rated 10%, identifying all other conditions as not unfitting. Right Ankle Condition . Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01555
The PEB adjudicated “bilateral patellar tendinitis…rated as tenosynovitis”as unfitting, rated 0%with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining condition was determined to be not unfitting. In 2003,the CI presented with an intermittent history of bilateral knee pain for 2 years considered medial bursitis of the left knee and right patellar tendinitis. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01583
In addition, the CI was notified by the Service that his case qualifies for review of his mental health (MH) condition in accordance with the Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of Service members who were referred to a disability evaluation process between 11 September 2001 and 30 April 2012 and whose MH diagnoses were unfavorably changed or eliminated during that process. Accordingly, the case file was reviewed regarding unfavorable diagnosis change, fitness...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01590
Right Knee Condition . On review of the records, the Board noted the ROM was not compensable under 5260, 5261, 5257 or 5258. Contended PEB Conditions .The Boardfirst reviewed the records for evidence of inappropriate changes in diagnosis of the MH condition during processing through the military DES.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01628
Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Pain, Right Shoulder with Abduction Limited by Pain5099 500310%Right Shoulder Condition520310%20071001Other x 0 (Not in Scope)Other x 119930810 Rated: 10%Combined: 10% *Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 2007113(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) Right Shoulder Condition . BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01632
The Board noted that the CI notes in his contention that he was provided disability rating for PTSD and bipolar disorder through the VA. No VA records before the Board include a diagnosis of or disability rating for PTSD. The Board next considered if there was evidence to support a rating higher than 10% at permanent separation, specified as “occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency … only during periods of significant stress, or;...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01637
The bilateral leg condition, characterized as “bilateral leg pain” and “neuropraxia of branch of right superficial peroneal nerve” (both medically unacceptable) were forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501. A small (not infected) fluid collection was drained by aspiration,but pain with exercise and numbness persisted.On occupational therapy clinic visit on 29 October 2008, the CI reported constant bilateral leg pain but was able to “perform all usual tasks without...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01667
“Chronic bilateral knee pain status post bilateral lateral release and chondromalacia of the left patella”was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501, with no other conditions submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEB adjudicated “bilateral knee pain with surgical history of bilateral releases and a finding of Grade II chondromalacia in the left side” as unfitting, rated 10%, citing criteria ofthe VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01682
No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The PEB adjudicated “ chronic right knee pain” as unfitting, rated 10% with likely application of the US Army Physical Disability Agency (USAPDA) pain policy.The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. Radiographs of the right knee noted mild degenerative changes but were otherwise within normal.The MEB examiner noted a pain rating of slight/frequent. The Board agreed that the CI’s disability due to the knee condition met the 10% rating...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01693
Lumbar fusion with residual back pain was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) as not meeting medical standards IAW AR 40-501. Post-Separation)ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Low Back…Fusion524110%Residuals, Lumbar Spine Injury…523720%20060317Other x 3 (Not in Scope)Other x 020060317 Combined: 10%Combined: 30% Derived from VA Rating Decision (VARD)dated 20060615(most proximate to date of separation (DOS)) Chronic LBP Status-Post L5-S1 Fusion Condition . BOARD...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01708
The MEB also identified and forwarded seven other conditions for PEB adjudication one of which was a MH condition of adjustment disorder, meeting retention standards. The Board reviews medical records and other available evidence to assess the fairness of PEB rating determinations, using VASRD standards, based on ratable severity at the time of separation; and, to review those fitness determinations within its scope (as elaborated above) consistent with performance-based criteria in...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01713
The PEB adjudicated “chronic low back pain (LBP) status post (s/p) L5/S1 fusion” as unfitting, rated 10%, citing criteria of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). Should the Board judge that a condition was most likely incompatible with the specific duty requirements, a disability rating IAW the VASRD, based on the degree of disability evidenced at separation, will be recommended. invalid font number 31502 ” The CI had chronic LBP and ROM flexion limited to 80 degrees at the MEB exam.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01785
The Board must then determine the most appropriate fit with VASRD 4.130 criteria at the end of the TDRL interval for its permanent rating recommendationis based on the facts in evidence which are most probative for that interval.In this case, the CI’s MEB narrative summary (NARSUM) examination and VA psychiatric rating examination performed at 11 months prior to separation and 10 months after separation respectivelyare both subject to probative value concerns which will be discussed.The...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 01805
The PEB adjudicated “chronic neck pain secondary to multilevel degenerative disc disease (DDD) without radiculopathy”as unfitting, rated 10%with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting and not ratable. Post-Separation) ConditionCodeRatingConditionCodeRatingExam Chronic Neck Pain5299-524310%Chronic Neck Pain524310%20060520Low Back PainNot UnfittingLow Back Pain524310%20060520Asymmetric Hearing LossNot...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02017
Right Hip ROM (Degrees)MEB ~ 6½ mos. The Army PEB and the VA chose different coding and rating options for the right hip condition. After reviewing the evidence, all Board members agreed that a rating of 10% was appropriate for the right hip condition.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02018
It is limited to those conditions determined by the PEB to be unfitting for continued military service and those conditions identified but not determined to be unfitting by the PEB when specifically requested by the CI. The Board noted that the VA initially rated the CI for depression with insomnia and did not change the diagnosis until over 3 years after separation, based on the 10 July 2012 C&P evaluation. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02063
In addition, the CI was notified by the Army that his case may eligible for review of the military disability evaluation of his MH condition in accordance with Secretary of Defense directive for a comprehensive review of Service members who were referred to a disability evaluation process between 11 September 2001 and 30 April 2012 and whose MH diagnoses were changed during that process. At the MEB examination on 8 September 2005, the CI reported chronic LBP. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02066
The PEB adjudicated “chronic migraine headaches” as unfitting, rated 0%with likely application of DoDI 1332.39 and the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting and therefore not ratable. Remote VA rating dated September 2013 indicated an increased the migraine rating to 30% effective July 2012 (more than 5 years after separation).The Board directs attention to its rating recommendation based on the above evidence. BOARD...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02083
At the MEB exam, the CI reported daily lower back pain causing him to be depressed. The neck condition was reviewed and considered by the Board. BOARD FINDINGS : IAW DoDI 6040.44, provisions of DoD or Military Department regulations or guidelines relied upon by the PEB will not be considered by the Board to the extent they were inconsistent with the VASRD in effect at the time of the adjudication.The Board did not surmise from the record or PEB ruling in this case that any prerogatives...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02095
Should the Board judge that a MH condition was most likely incompatible with military service, a service rating IAW the VASRD, based on the degree of disability evidenced at separation, will be recommended. Left knee examination showed intact ligaments and some tenderness.The MEB separation examination on 9 March 2005 showed bilateral knee tenderness and painful motion, intact ligaments and no swelling.The profiling section of the separation exam (DD Form 2808) listed right knee pain, but...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02097
The MEB also identified and forwarded a chronic neck pain condition.The Informal PEBadjudicated “chronic non-radiating low back pain” as unfitting, rated 10%, with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). Contended Chronic Neck Pain and Mental Health Conditions .The Board’s main charge is to assess the fairness of the PEB’s determination that neck condition was not unfitting. RECOMMENDATION : The Board, therefore, recommends that there be no...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02098
The mental health condition was reviewed regarding diagnosis change, fitness determination and rating in accordance with VASRD §4.129 and §4.130. It was thus concluded that the Board’s rating recommendation should also default to 5293, and all members agreed that the 60% criteria under that code are not supported by the evidence. In the matter of the bilateral shin splints condition, and IAW VASRD §4.71a, the Board unanimously recommends no change in the PEB adjudication.In the matter of...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02099
At the MEB separation exam on 31 March 2005 (9 months prior to separation), the CI denied any history of knee injury. In the matter of the chronic right knee pain condition, the Board unanimously recommends a disability rating of 10%, coded 5099-5003.In the matter of any contended MH condition, the Board unanimously agrees that it cannot recommend it for additional disability rating.There were no other conditions within the Board’s scope of review for consideration. Physical Disability...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02100
Right Hip Condition . After due deliberation in consideration of the preponderance of the evidence, the Board concluded that there was insufficient cause to recommend a change in the PEB fitness determination for the contended depressive disorder, or that any MH condition rose to the level of being unfitting and so no additional disability rating is recommended. In the matter of the contended depressive disorder and lower back pain conditions, the Board unanimously recommends no change...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02103
SEPARATION DATE: 20060303 The CI reported pain intensity of 7 out of 10 (0-10 pain scale).The examination dated 23 May 2006documented normal right knee radiographs. On review of the records, the Board noted the ROM was not compensable under 5260, 5261, 5257 or 5258.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02110
His also complained of sleep issues,which were considered to meet retention standards. Surgery was not indicated.The MEB separation examination on 5 May 2009 (6 months prior to separation) noted no back tenderness or muscle spasm. The VA examination meanwhile showed completely normal ROM and no additional limitation after repetition.
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02112
Medical documentation in the few weeks after that incident recorded concussion and back pain radiating into the legs but made no mention of right wrist pain.Air evacuation medical documentation from March 2005 made no note of wrist injury or pain and an air evacuation medical progress note on 10 March 2005 noted he was able to carry his own bags without difficulty.The neurology examination on 15March 2005 noted a past history of elbow fracture and complaint of “right arm cracking.”On...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02168
The informal PEB combined the two mental health conditions forwarded by the MEB and adjudicated “posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stating “symptoms of major depressive disorder are interrelated and included in this rating” as unfitting, rated 10% with likely application of DODI 1332.39 [ rescinded ] and/or AR 635-40 in effect at the time.The remaining four conditions were determined to be not unfitting.The CI made no appeals, and was medically separated. The VA assigned a disability...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02174
The Informal PEB adjudicated “chondromalacia patellae, left knee and little finger/left hand, limitation of motion”as unfitting, rated 10% and 0%, with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The adjustment disorder, as implied by the PEB, was a condition not constituting a physical disability IAW DoDI 1332.38., and therefore, not ratable.The Board noted the PEB identified that the adjustment disorder was not compensable but could be administratively...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02351
SEPARATION DATE: 20060629 The CI is also eligible for PDBR review of other conditions evaluated by the PEB and has elected review by the PDBR.The ratings for the unfitting asthma and anxiety conditions are addressed below and no other conditions meet the criteria prescribed in DoDI 6040.44 for Board purview. Providing a correction to the individual’s separation document showing that the individual was separated by reason of permanent disability retirement effective the date of the original...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02438
Right Ankle Condition . Right Knee Condition . Physical Disability Board of Review
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02511
The rating for the unfitting spinal fusion condition is addressed below; and, no additional conditions are within the DoDI 6040.44 defined purview of the Board. Pre-SepVA C&P ~ At SepFlexion (90 Normal) 8 5 (84)70 Extension (30) 25 ( 23 )15 R Lat Flexion (30) 3030 L Lat Flexion (30) 3030 R Rotation (30) 3030 L Rotation (30) 3030 Combined (240) 230205 Comment +tenderness , painful motion +painful motion §4.71a Rating 10% 10%The Board directs attention to its rating recommendationbased on the...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02512
The feetcondition, characterized as “ bilateral pes planus,” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.No other conditions were submitted by the MEB.The Informal PEBadjudicated “ chronic bilateral foot pain”as unfitting, rated 10%, with likely application of the Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The CI made no appeals and was medically separated. The Board’s role is thus confined to the review of medical records and all evidence at hand to...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02539
The thoracic back condition, characterized as “thoracic ruptured disk” was forwarded to the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) IAW AR 40-501.The MEB also identified and forwarded two other conditions for PEB adjudication.The Informal PEB adjudicated thoracic back pain as unfitting, rated 10%, with likely application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD).The remaining conditions were determined to be not unfitting and therefore not rated. The requested hiatal hernia condition was...
AF | PDBR | CY2013 | PD2013 02632
Only the shoulder condition was implicated in MOS duty performance impairment.On the separation exam (DD Form 2808) the CI wrote that he had “anxiety and depression,” had received counseling for alcohol use and was taking one antidepressant medication.The examiner acknowledged a history of “anxiety and depression” which was currently under treatment with an antidepressant.The profiling section of the separation exam (DD Form 2808) on 17 September 2008 listed a diagnosis of depression, and...